Gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

A gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine and method of manufacture provides privacy to the wearer of a gown while the wearer eliminates urine through the penis. The gown has a gown body with an open posterior side that can be closed with a fastener. The gown has an opposing anterior side defined by a central section, which is approximately aligned with the penis when the gown is donned. The groin section forms a vertical slit that is sized to enable the wearer to easily egress and ingress a urine bottle, or the penis for elimination of urine. The slit is visibly not obvious when viewed from the front of the gown body because of one or more pleats that selectively cover the slit. The pleats are integral with the gown, formed along the longitudinal of the slit from the extra loose fabric from the central section.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine and method of manufacture. More so, the present invention relates to a gown that provides privacy and dignity to the wearer; especially while eliminating urine through the penis. The gown has a gown body with an open posterior side that can be closed with a fastener, such as ties, clips, buttons, and the like. The gown has an opposing anterior side defined by a central section, which is approximately aligned with the penis when the gown is donned. The groin section forms a vertical slit that is sized and dimensioned to enable the wearer to easily egress and ingress the penis for elimination of urine. The slit is visibly not obvious when viewed from the front of the gown body because of one or more pleats that selectively cover the slit. The pleats are integral with the gown, formed from the extra loose fabric from the gown.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, a hospital gown has a body made of flexible material, with the edges defining a neckline and a hemline, and the body including panels of width sufficient to span the region of a patient's body between intersections of its coronal plane. The gown has arm openings adjacent the neckline, and two pairs of securing ties.

Generally, hospital gowns are well known for providing wearers with a mere modicum of personal modesty and warmth. A typical gown is made from a single panel of cloth having armhole openings, which may or may not have sewn-in sleeves, and two rear flaps which meet and are tied behind the wearer with little or no overlap.

In many instances, the changing of a urinary catheter, performing of a manual bladder washout and flexible cystoscopy is conducted with the patient normally on a patient bed, occasionally a trolley and rarely an operating table. Male patients are in the supine position, females supine but with legs bent and apart with ankles together.

Other proposals have involved hospital gowns that facilitate the elimination of urine. The problem with these gowns is that they do not cover the opening to the groin and crotch region of the body. Also, the covering is not always ornamental, such as using pleats, for example. Even though the above cited gowns meet some of the needs of the market, a gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine and method of manufacture, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine and method of manufacture. The gown provides privacy and dignity to the wearer of a gown while eliminating urine through the penis. The gown has a gown body with an open posterior side that can be closed with a fastener, such as ties, clips, buttons, and the like. The gown has an opposing anterior side defined by a central section, which is approximately aligned with the penis when the gown is donned. The groin section forms a vertical slit that is sized and dimensioned to enable the wearer to easily egress and ingress a urine bottle, a urinary catheter, or the penis for elimination of urine. The slit is visibly not obvious when viewed from the front of the gown body because of one or more pleats that selectively cover the slit. The pleats are integral with the gown, formed along the longitudinal of the slit from the extra loose fabric from the central section.

In one aspect, the gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine, comprises:

-   -   a gown body defined by a sheet-like resilient material adapted         to at least partially cover a wearer,     -   the gown body further being defined by an inner surface and an         outer surface,     -   the gown body further being defined by a neckline adapted to         align with the wearer's neck and an opposing hem adapted to         orient to the wearer's feet,     -   the gown body further being defined by a posterior side having         opposing parallel side edges, the posterior side being adapted         for covering the wearer's posterior body regions when the gown         body is donned by the wearer,     -   the gown body further being defined by an anterior side having a         groin section, the anterior side being adapted for covering the         wearer's anterior body regions, the groin section being adapted         for at least partially covering the wearer's crotch and groin         body regions when the gown body is donned by the wearer,     -   the groin section forming an elongated slit, the slit being         approximately aligned with the penis when the gown body is         donned by the wearer, whereby the slit enables the penis to         egress and ingress therethrough,     -   the groin section being gathered into a plurality of successive         pleats, the pleats forming along the longitudinal of the slit,         each pleat comprising an overlap in the resilient material,         whereby a portion of the outer surface is disposed adjacent to         another portion of the outer surface of the gown body.

In another aspect, the gown body is defined by a pair of sleeves extending from the outer surface, the sleeves providing communication with the inner surface and adapted for placement of the wearer's arms therethrough.

In another aspect, the gown body is defined by a woven sheet-like resilient material.

In another aspect, the woven sheet-like resilient material comprises cotton.

In another aspect, the gown body is defined by a nonwoven sheet-like resilient material.

In another aspect, the nonwoven sheet-like resilient material comprises a disposable polymer.

In another aspect, the gown body is defined a neckline adapted to align with the wearer's neck and an opposing hem adapted to orient to the wearer's feet.

In another aspect, the neckline is about 21″ from the pleats.

In another aspect, the gown further comprises at least one fastener disposed along the length of the side edges.

In another aspect, the fastener includes at least one of the following: a twill tie, a button, a hook and loop fastener, a clip, and a magnet.

In another aspect, the slit is oriented along the longitudinal of the gown body.

In another aspect, the slit is about 8″ long.

In another aspect, the slit is sized and dimensioned to receive a urine bottle or a urinary catheter.

In another aspect, the pleats form along the longitudinal of the slit, and terminate at opposing ends of the slit.

In another aspect, the gown body comprises a hospital gown.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a gown that forms a concealable slit for elimination of urine.

Another objective is to form ornamental pleats along the longitudinal of the slit for concealment thereof.

Yet another objective is to utilize the extra loose fabric of the gown body to form the pleats.

An exemplary objective is to provide an anterior side of the gown body having opposing side edges for easy ingress and egress of the gown body.

Additional objectives are to provide an inexpensive to manufacture hospital gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine, showing the pleats covering the slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the gown shown in FIG. 1, showing the pleats parted to enable passage of a urine bottle through the slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the gown shown in FIG. 1, showing the side edges and the fasteners, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary groin section of the anterior side of gown body, showing the inner side with the pleats parted to show the slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of the groin section of the anterior side of gown body, showing the inner side with the pleats covering the slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a urine bottle passing through the slit for elimination of urine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of the groin section of the anterior side of gown body, showing the outer side with the pleats parted to show the slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the groin section of the anterior side of gown body, showing the outer side with the pleats covering the slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 references a flowchart of an exemplary method of manufacturing a gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A gown 100 with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine and method 900 of manufacture is referenced in FIGS. 1-9. The presently disclosed gown 100 is a unique garment that allows a wearer 118 to eliminate urine in a discrete, dignified manner, while donning the gown 100. This is possible because of a vertical slit 200 that forms in the anterior side 112 of gown 100, and a plurality of pleats 114 that are formed along the longitudinal of the slit 200 to conceal the penis inside gown body 102. Slit 200 is sufficiently formed to allow for ingress and egress of a urine bottle 202, or a urinary catheter, or the penis itself. Pleats 114, which lie along the longitudinal of the slit 200, are formed from the loose, extra material inherent with a gown 100. Pleats 114 neatly lay over the slit 200 to form a private, yet ornamental discretionary area on the gown 100.

As FIG. 1 references, gown 100 is a loose outer garment that a wearer 118 dons to provide privacy to a substantial part of the anterior and dorsal sections of the body, generally from the neck to the ankles, and at least a portion of the arms. Gown 100 forms a loose, comfortable fit that is efficacious for hospital or clinical environments where access to the wearer's body parts, including the penis, is necessary. Or, where the patient who has limited mobility must remove or don the gown 100 for eliminating waste, or simply changing to a fresh gown 100. In some embodiments, gown 100 is a hospital gown, and the wearer 118 is a patient. Though for purposes of the present invention, wearer 118 may be any person needing a loose, comfortable garment and easy access to body parts.

The gown 100 comprises a gown body 102, which is a sheet-like, resilient material. Gown body 102 is sized, cut, and assembled to form the final gown 100, which is adapted to at least partially cover a wearer 118. Gown body 102 may have different dimensions, depending on the final size and style of the gown 100. In some embodiments, gown body 102 is fabricated from a woven sheet-like material, such as cotton, polyester, or cotton blend fabrics. However, in other embodiments, gown body 102 is fabricated from a nonwoven sheet-like material, such as a disposable polymer, or a medical grade plastic or rubber.

Gown body 102 has an inner surface 400 that faces the wearer 118, and an opposing outer surface 110 that faces outwardly from the wearer 118. Inner surface 400 engages the wearer 118, and thus may have a comfortable lining or fabrication. Outer surface 110 is the visible side of the gown body 102 when donned. As illustrated in FIG. 2, outer surface 110 of gown body 102 is notable in that, loose material from anterior side 112 of gown body 102 is bunched together to create overlapping layers of outer surface 110 material, or pleats 114. In this pleated arrangement, a portion of outer surface 110 is disposed adjacent to another portion of the outer surface 110 of gown body 102, as described below. This pleated configuration provides concealable functionality, and ornamental effects.

In some embodiments, gown body 102 may be manufactured to create a pair of sleeves 104 a, 104 b that extend from the outer surface 110, and that provide communication with the inner surface 400. Sleeves 104 a-b are adapted for placement of the wearer's arms therethrough. Sleeves 104 a-b may be short, mid-length, or long, depending on the style of the gown body 102. In yet other embodiments, gown body 102 has a neckline 106 that aligns with the wearer's neck and an opposing hem 108 adapted to orient to the wearer's feet; when the gown body 102 is donned by the wearer 118. In one non-limiting embodiment, neckline 106 is about 21″ from the pleats 114, described below. Looking back at FIG. 2, hem 108 circumambulates the ankles of the wearer 118, and may be lengthened or shortened to adapt to different heights.

Looking now at FIG. 3, gown body 102 is defined by a posterior side 300 having opposing parallel side edges 302 a, 302 b. Posterior side 300 is adapted to cover the wearer's posterior body regions when the gown body 102 is donned by the wearer 118. For example, the back, buttocks, and back of the legs. In one embodiment, gown 100 may also utilize at least one fastener 304 a-d disposed along the length of the side edges 302 a, 302 b. Fastener 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, 304 d allows wearer 118, or assistant to wearer 118, to secure the side edges 302 a-b together for additional privacy while conning gown 100. Fastener 304 a-d may include, without limitation, a twill tie, a button, a hook and loop fastener, a clip, and a magnet.

Turning now to the front of gown 100, the gown body 102 has an anterior side 112, shown in FIG. 1. Anterior side 112 is sized and dimensioned to compliment the posterior side 300, covering the wearer's anterior body regions. For example, chest, torso, groin area, and front of legs. Within the anterior side 112 of gown body 102 is a groin section 116 that is sized and placed, so as to at least partially cover the wearer's crotch and groin body regions, and specifically, the penis when the gown body 102 is donned by the wearer 118.

Groin section 116 of the anterior side 112 has, within its perimeters, a formed slit 200. As illustrated in FIG. 4, slit 200 is approximately aligned approximately with the penis when the gown body 102 is donned by the wearer 118. In some embodiments, the slit 200 is elongated, and oriented along the longitudinal of gown body 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, slit 200 is about 8″ long. However, in other embodiments, slit 200 may be longer or shorter, depending on size of gown body 102 and urination needs of wearer 118.

Thus, the slit 200 enables a urine bottle 202, a urinary catheter, and the penis itself, to easily egress and ingress therethrough. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a urine bottle passing through the slit for elimination of urine. The wearer can pass the opening in the urine bottle 202 through slit 200, and urinate. After completion, urine bottle 202 is removed, and pleats fall to natural position covering the slit 200.

Groin section 116, and specifically the loose, resilient material of groin section 116, is gathered into a plurality of successive pleats 114. As referenced in FIG. 5, the pleats 114 form along the longitudinal of slit 200, and terminate at opposing ends of slit 200. Advantageously, the slit 200 is not visibly obvious when viewed from the front of gown body 102 because of pleats 114 that selectively cover the entirety of the slit 200, when pleats 114 are in their natural position. Pleats 114 can be raised to uncover slit 200, and thereby allow for ingress and egress of urine bottle 202, penis, and other urine-related components necessary to eliminate urine (See FIG. 6).

As illustrated in FIG. 7, pleats 114 are integral with the gown 100, forming along the longitudinal of the slit 200 from the extra loose fabric from groin section 116. Each pleat comprises an overlap in the resilient material, such that a portion of the outer surface 110 is disposed adjacent to another portion of the outer surface 110 of the gown body 102. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, up to 3-6 pleats can be formed on each side of slit 200. However, any number of pleats 114 may be formed, depending on amount of loose fabric available at groin section 116 in the anterior side 112 of gown body 102. Pleats 114 are formed by bunching together loose material in groin section 116. Pleats 114 can then be stitched at their base to remain upright, or slightly tilted to cover the slit 200. Pleats are easily pushed to the side to reveal slit 200 and enable access thereto.

In one alternative embodiment, slit and pleats form at posterior side of gown body. Thus, excrement has an opening to be eliminated. In another alternative embodiment, pleats are detachable from groin section of gown body. Thus, different styles and sizes of pleats can be fastened to gown body for covering the slit.

FIG. 9 references a flowchart of an exemplary method 900 of manufacturing a gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine. The method 900 may include an initial Step 902 of providing a sheet-like resilient material. This can include a gown body 102 that is sized, cut, and assembled to form the final gown 100, which is adapted to at least partially cover a wearer 118. Gown body 102 may have different dimensions, depending on the final size and style of the gown 100. In some embodiments, gown body 102 is fabricated from a woven sheet-like material, such as cotton, polyester, or cotton blend fabrics. However, in other embodiments, gown body 102 is fabricated from a nonwoven sheet-like material, such as a disposable polymer, or a medical grade plastic or rubber

The method 900 may further comprise a Step 904 of cutting, from the sheet-like resilient material, the dimensions for a gown body. A Step 906 includes forming a posterior side having opposing parallel side edges, the posterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's posterior sections when the gown body is donned by the wearer. In some embodiments, a Step 908 comprises forming an anterior side having a groin section, the anterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's anterior sections and the groin section being adapted for at least partially covering the wearer's penis when the gown body is donned by the wearer. A Step 910 includes joining the posterior and anterior sides together. This junction of the sides can be through stitching, welding, adhesives, or detachable fasteners.

As FIG. 4 shows, a Step 912 comprises cutting a slit in the anterior side of the gown body, the slit being approximately aligned with the penis when the gown body is donned by the wearer. A Step 914 comprises gathering a portion of the groin section into a plurality of successive pleats, the pleats forming along the longitudinal of the slit, each pleat comprising an overlap in the resilient material, whereby a portion of the outer surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the outer surface of the gown body. The method 900 may further comprise a Step 916 of concealing, with the pleats, the slit and the penis of the wearer, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A final Step 918, shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, includes selectively manipulating a urine bottle or a urinary catheter to egress and ingress through the slit to engage the penis for elimination of urine.

Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine, the gown comprising: a gown body defined by a sheet-like resilient material adapted to at least partially cover a wearer, the gown body further being defined by an inner surface and an outer surface, the gown body further being defined by a neckline adapted to align with the wearer's neck and an opposing hem adapted to orient to the wearer's feet, the gown body further being defined by a posterior side having opposing parallel side edges, the posterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's posterior body regions when the gown body is donned by the wearer, the gown body further being defined by an anterior side having a groin section, the anterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's anterior body regions, and the groin section being adapted for at least partially covering the wearer's crotch and groin body regions when the gown body is donned by the wearer, the groin section of the anterior side forming an elongated slit, the slit being approximately aligned with the penis when the gown body is donned by the wearer, whereby the slit enables the penis to egress and ingress through the slit, the groin section of the anterior side being gathered into a plurality of successive pleats, the pleats forming along the longitudinal of the slit, each pleat comprising an overlap in the resilient material, whereby a portion of the outer surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the outer surface of the gown body.
 2. The gown of claim 1, wherein the gown body is defined by a pair of sleeves extending from the outer surface, the sleeves providing communication with the inner surface and adapted for placement of the wearer's arms therethrough.
 3. The gown of claim 1, wherein the gown body is defined by a woven sheet-like resilient material.
 4. The gown of claim 3, wherein the woven sheet-like resilient material comprises cotton.
 5. The gown of claim 1, wherein the gown body is defined by a nonwoven sheet-like resilient material.
 6. The gown of claim 5, wherein the nonwoven sheet-like resilient material comprises a disposable polymer.
 7. The gown of claim 1, wherein the neckline is about 21 inches from the pleats.
 8. The gown of claim 1, wherein the slit is oriented along the longitudinal of the gown body.
 9. The gown of claim 1, wherein the slit is about 8 inches long.
 10. The gown of claim 1, wherein the slit is sized and dimensioned to enable a urine bottle or a urinary catheter to egress and ingress through the slit.
 11. The gown of claim 1, wherein the pleats form along the longitudinal of the slit, and terminate at opposing ends of the slit.
 12. The gown of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener disposed along the length of the side edges.
 13. The gown of claim 12, wherein the fastener includes at least one of the following: a twill tie, a button, a hook and loop fastener, a clip, and a magnet.
 14. The gown of claim 1, wherein the gown body comprises a hospital gown.
 15. A gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine, the gown comprising: a gown body defined by a sheet-like resilient material adapted to at least partially cover a wearer, the gown body further being defined by an inner surface and an outer surface, the gown body further being defined by a neckline adapted to align with the wearer's neck and an opposing hem adapted to orient to the wearer's feet, the gown body further being defined by a pair of sleeves extending from the outer surface, the sleeves providing communication with the inner surface and adapted for placement of the wearer's arms therethrough, the gown body further being defined by a posterior side having opposing parallel side edges, the posterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's posterior body regions when the gown body is donned by the wearer, the gown body further being defined by an anterior side having a groin section, the anterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's anterior body regions and the groin section being adapted for at least partially covering the wearer's crotch and groin body regions when the gown body is donned by the wearer, the groin section forming an elongated slit oriented along the longitudinal of the gown body, the slit being approximately aligned with the penis when the gown body is donned by the wearer, whereby the slit enables the penis to egress and ingress through the slit, the groin section being gathered into a plurality of successive pleats, the pleats forming along the longitudinal of the slit and terminate at opposing ends of the slit, each pleat comprising an overlap in the resilient material, whereby a portion of the outer surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the outer surface of the gown body; and at least one fastener disposed along the length of the side edges of the posterior side.
 16. The gown of claim 15, wherein the neckline is about 21 inches from the pleats.
 17. The gown of claim 15, wherein the slit is about 8 inches long.
 18. The gown of claim 15, wherein the gown body is defined by a woven sheet-like resilient material.
 19. The gown of claim 15, wherein the gown body is defined by a nonwoven sheet-like resilient material.
 20. A method of manufacturing a gown with pleated opening for discrete elimination of urine, the method comprising: providing a sheet-like resilient material; cutting, from the sheet-like resilient material, the dimensions for a gown body; forming a posterior side having opposing parallel side edges, the posterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's posterior body region when the gown body is donned by the wearer; forming an anterior side having a groin section, the anterior side being adapted for covering the wearer's anterior body region, and the groin section being adapted for at least partially covering the wearer's crotch and groin body regions when the gown body is donned by the wearer; joining the posterior and anterior sides together; cutting a slit in the anterior side of the gown body, the slit being approximately aligned with the penis when the gown body is donned by the wearer; gathering a portion of the groin section into a plurality of successive pleats, the pleats forming along the longitudinal of the slit, each pleat comprising an overlap in the resilient material, whereby a portion of the outer surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the outer surface of the gown body; concealing, with the pleats, the slit and the penis of the wearer; and selectively manipulating a urine bottle, a urinary catheter, or the penis to egress and ingress through the slit for elimination of urine. 